Ladbrokes faces closure of 45 shops in Ireland following failed sale talks and industry cost pressures

Entain will proceed with closing 45 Ladbrokes betting shops across the island of Ireland, a move that comes after negotiations to sell its Irish operations ended without agreement. The closures include 39 outlets in the Republic of Ireland and six in Northern Ireland, placing up to 250 jobs at risk, including 226 roles in the Republic.

The decision is being taken against a backdrop of weakening retail performance. Entain’s latest financial results show that retail revenue across the UK and Ireland declined by 2% in 2025, while sports betting revenue from its physical estate fell by 3 percent. The figures indicate change in customer behavior as gambling activity continues to migrate online.

Although Ladbrokes had explored a potential exit from the Irish market, discussions with Dundalk-based Bar One Racing did not result in a deal. Reports had previously indicated that talks between the two parties were at an advanced stage last year, but industry sources now confirm that the process has concluded without a transaction.

The closures will reduce Ladbrokes’ physical presence in Ireland, where it previously operated around 108 shops in the Republic and 66 in Northern Ireland. Despite the planned shutdown of six outlets in the north, the company said it “will still have over 50 shops” in Northern Ireland after the restructuring.

The bookmaker’s parent company pointed to a combination of structural and competitive pressures in explaining the move.

“These planned closures in the Republic of Ireland are not a decision we take lightly and reflect sustained cost pressures, long-term changes in customer behaviour and the growing competitive threat from the unlicensed market.”

“Our priority now is to engage constructively with colleagues throughout the consultation process, with a strong focus on redeployment wherever possible. Ladbrokes remains committed to Ireland and to operating responsibly within a sustainable retail footprint,” an Entain spokesperson said.

Ladbrokes said the closures are part of a broader review of its retail network, aimed at maintaining competitiveness amid rising costs, shifting customer behavior, and pressure from unlicensed operators. The company added that it will seek to redeploy affected staff where possible.

In the UK, tax increases have added further pressure, with the Remote Gaming Duty rising from 21% to 40% as of April 1, and the General Betting Duty set to increase from 15 percent to 25 percent next year.

Other major operators have also initiated cost-cutting measures. Evoke, which owns William Hill, has announced plans to close more than 200 shops in the UK following a strategic review launched in December 2025. Flutter Entertainment is also evaluating mitigation strategies, including restructuring within its Paddy Power business.

Despite being regulated separately, the UK and Irish betting markets remain closely interconnected, with companies such as Entain, Flutter, Super Group, evoke, and bet365 operating across both jurisdictions.

Entain currently operates more than 2,700 premises across the UK and Ireland, with Ladbrokes forming a portfolio that includes Coral, bwin, Partypoker, Sportingbet, and Foxy Bingo. The group acquired Ladbrokes in 2018.

The latest closures also follow earlier restructuring within the Irish business. Ladbrokes Ireland entered examinership in 2015, resulting in the closure of 60 of its 196 shops at the time.